Paros Dec. 2015

   It's the Christmas bazar, tree lighting weekend. Live jazz playing in the square in front of the Ekatontapiliani church. Santa has arrived as well as the mayor. My former physical therapist, looking good in a long black wool coat. People selling goodies, grilling skewers of meat. Ferry just arrived to add to the festive atmosphere. Now, it's -Jingle Bell Rock. Pianist just arrived accompanied by rotating kleig lights in color spashing stars around the walls and trees. 

    Tree lighting coming soon. Children dancing and singing. Also an adult chorus. 

   Went into to big church-Ekatontapiliani, the church of one hundred doors. The myth is that when the hundredth door is found, Istanbul will return to Constantinople. Nice thought for Greeks.

 Sat with friend Claire, we talked about what each of us knew about the church. It is very special. It's the only one with a white marble balustrade on the balcony. As I am very fond of marble, makes it even better. Lit a candle, as I always do, asking my mothers spirit to watch over her children. It's a lovely place to have a sit down. 

   Time to go, Christmas music is over and US music is now on at a high decibel. A good night. 

Georgia Nov. 2015

   3 things important to Georgians:

1. Language and its distinctive script.

2. Homeland

3. Religion

• Metal fences around graves

• Gas pipes from 2 feet to 10 feet above the ground, snaking along the streets, meters at each house. 

• Gasoline -1.93 / Liter 

• Drain pipes come out at my head level over the sidewalk- pay attention!

• Eggplant never tasted so good, so varied in its preparation.

• A treat is walnuts or hazelnuts on a string repeatedly dipped into a slurry of grape juice (fermented or not) sugar and flour. Looks like a lumpy cigar, kind of.

• Star crossed lovers is the primary story book- "Ali and Nino". A Muslim man from Iran, and an Orthodox girl from Georgia. Fabulous statue that melds them together, then thru each other in Batumi.   • Afternoon at Shaumta Monastery in Telavi, learning how they make the wine in really big crocks buried in the earth. Some over tasting was happening. Also, they are THE bee keepers. We tasted the different honeys as well.

• Gori- birthplace of Stalin, aka 'Joe'.

Museum has the only photo of him with out camouflage makeup to hide his scarred face. I now own a pocket knife with his portrait. Guess I'm the only one on my block to have this treasure. 

Azerbaijan Oct. 2015

  For only $100 the captain of the ferry took off a train carriage and let our truck on. This was a minor miracle as the next truck was 96 hours waiting on the ferry. I    First thing different driving from the ferry are the walls along the highway. Different sections are lit in a variety of ways. Some look to have residence complexes, some industrial. There are massive gates, well lit and colorful. 

   Gas is $.70/ liter.

  The  Baku City bus has the digital directions wrapped around from the front to the side. Clever. New city buildings are daring and quite modern. One in particular is reputed to be the most beautiful in the world. Haydar Aliyev is the name. Three flame shaped buildings are at the apex of a hill, reminding us that natural gas is king here. Also, Trump has a building here. Yikes. Ancient walled city, intact still. A motocross race is being held here soon, the concern is to protect the walls, roads narrow and curved as the walls are.

     Mud volcanos are irrevelent here, means that the gas is close. They are 10-20 feet high and do gurgle out liquid mud. Supposed to be good for a facial.

    Local lads are selling freshly  killed and skinned fowl by the side of the road. 

   Can see snow capped mountains coming up. I thank the leaders we are not going to camp. Slept under thick, heavy duvets. The toilet was was outside of the dorm area, down  stairs, along another building. There were lights. And, frost. A crispy frozen morning. Our accommodation let us use a room that had a wooden stove and we could sit and eat in warmth. It's tough chopping food in such cold. The washing up water in the bowls froze before we were ready to clean up. 

     Got to stay in a real caravanseri. I have seen only ruins along the Silk Road, exciting to see how it looked in its hayday. Enjoyed the local specialty, a lamb stew cooked in a clay pot the size of a big coffe cup. First the broth is poured into your bowl to eat, then the waiter mushed the rest up with the piece of fat that was on top, second course. It was delicious. 

   In the morning, breakfast beside the truck. Semi camping. Again, TG we did not camp any more. 

   On to Georgia...

    

     

    

Turkmenistan Oct. 2015

    The ferry that's transporting our truck and us across the Caspian Sea is a train ferry. They have left off one train carriage so we would fit. Bless them. We managed to get on and thru both customs in about 24 hours. Miraculous. 

     Turkmenistan is still paranoid. President is still honored, we witnessed the Independent Day Celebration. Thousands of co-ordinated groups doing synchronized marching. Color coordinated flags held up to match different parts of the 'dance'. Many military vehicles and the floats had a portrait of the President on what looked like a representation of the enclosed Ferris wheel. The procession goes for only one block in front of the president. 

     Gas is $.20/liter. 

    Our guide was very knowledgeable about the history of this made up country. He said the president had elimated the drug problem. When asked how it was done, he did not know. Also, when asked about homosexuality- it does not exist. That's that. At the end of the trip during our goodbyes, this adorable guide said I could come back and stay at his house.  Nice offer.

    Ashgabat has expanded its white marble building. Sunglasses needed. 

Now a new 5 *, almond shaped hotel lit up with blue lights. Next to the wedding registration, which is an amazing building-shaped like a ball with the eight pointed stars encircling it. Well lit up with changing colors. Now, next to that is the new wedding hotel, also with changing colored lights. The wedding night is free at this hotel. Children are encouraged, if you have 6 children, you get an apartment. Police get an apartment, if they do not do any coruption for a year. Worked. 

    

     

Muscat, Oman October 2015

     Dancing has been banned. They have the most technologically advanced opera house. And, it's jaw dropping beautiful. 

     The Grand Mosque has the second largest crystal chandelier in the world. Ask Gumiess' book. Abu Dhabi has the largest, but, not the prettiest.

     The locals drive the taxi's and busses. Not so in the UAE. Also no meters, so they do take advantage. Nice beaches, lots of sand. Fish were jumping out of the water and flying thru the air. 

   Hosted by an Indian family that took great care of me and made me feel like family. 

    Building impressive high end resorts. I found that because I was not in a hotel, I had no access to tours. 

    Did go to three treatments at an Ayurvedic clinic. They knew my name, guess because I was the odd one there.

   Just saw a program on Oman, I missed all the green, fancy resorts. They are on the south part, where I was not. 

    

Dubai to Oman on the bus Oct. 2015

Oct. 19, I just boarded the Oman National Transport Bus Co. Enroute to Muscat, Oman. Seats are dusty and part of the seat belt is poking my bum. My shoes are a bit stuck to the floor. Windows are very dirty, both pieces of glass. A new costume is worn by the Omani men. Same long white dress with a light colored embroidered hat, similar to a mitre. Can't see out of front as the top half of the windshield is blacked out. So hot coming in the window I will look out the other side and pull the curtain. Wouldn't say the driver is a smooth one, perhaps he will improve. I think we just got stopped by the police. Just to say, I just left the Ritz Carlton where I was staying in a serviced apartment of friends. Ying/Yang. Life is good.  

    This driver is not acquainted with  this trucks clutch. Or, he is punishing it. And same with the gas. Pedal to the metal. We are very close to the last stop and seem to have stopped for a cigarette break. And, we are already about 25 minutes late.  Arrived!

    Did get to see some of the countryside. Sand and some mountains. 

That was the idea, not to fly.

   

Abu Dhabi Oct. 2015

Notes while on the Hop On-Hop Off bus.

• Early oil money was used for education, hospitals, and infra structure.

• There is a shortage of construction cranes in Ireland, they're here.

• Dates have been and are a diet staple as well as the tree for construction material. Ever tasted a fresh date, you would remember.

• Ladies black covering dress is called : Kardura

• Beaches are segregated: families and single men. No comment.

• Coming soon: Louvre, Guggenheim, cultural capital of Arab world. 

• Buildings are covered with glass and the glass is covered with dusty sand. 

• Highest water consumption in the world-and- 97% comes from de-salinization. 

• Many parks, playgrounds and creshes for children. Saw a huge one at a mall. My jaw dropped it was so extensive.

• The older women wore a face cover made from stiffened linen. Covered the nostrils and mouth.

• Grand Mosque has over 1000 pillars inlaid with semi precious stones. Beautiful. 

Oh! Canada

    I happened to look out of the airplane window on my flight from Vancouver, BC to Reykjavik. And there was Isle Royal, island of my father's young life. I know it was because the planes map indicated we were over Lake Superior, to make it really picturesque, an iron ore boat was passing it. His family captained boats to and from Larsmont in the mainland to the island. Boat builders from Finland, they knew how to make sturdy, enclosed fishing vessels. Viking heritage. My birthplace of Duluth, Minnesota, has a Leif Ericson park, complete with boat. I read that Rekjavik has this also. 

    I took Amtrak from Vancouver to Vancouver. Had big plans for seeing many new places in BC. Not happened. I lost a crown just before I left the U.S.. Dentist in BC did a good job to fix me up so I could leave with a new tooth and new root canal. Procedures were compacted and tough. I am not a dental whus, but, this put me out of commission, lost days because of it. So, I saw what I could, had lovely visits with friends and had yummy food. So much like the US , and then not.  

    One thing I found odd, there are signs to look out for 'bait cars', so, don't take the bait and steal. Undercover cars. 

     Donald Trump is towering over the skyline with a tall twisted building. Seems it is on hold because he is petitioning to make it just a bit taller to be the tallest. 

    

Iceland

    

   Geothermal provides home heating and electricity for €60 a month! All one can use. Reykjavik is the cleanest city. Also, pure drinking water. 

     They have joined the Schengen treaty, but not the EU. Smart. Except I must count the days for my allowed Schengen 90 days.   

   The myth is elves live under the big rocks that have been thrown out of the volcano. Roads are built around them so as not to disturb them.

    Geyser is an Icelandic word.

    A village of 50 people will have a swimming pool- advantage of geothermal wealth. They are the gathering place in place of bars because alcohol is expensive. 

    Skyr is a yogurt type of product, very old in the culture. Not a fan, yet.

    Read that tips are NOT done. I can tell how the tourism industry is changing that, the guide on bus tour asked for one. Was shamed into it. Not cool. 

   Gas is 202.7 Kroners per liter, $1.57.

   Door locks open towards the door jamb, might I say they are knuckle busters as they are so close  to the jamb.

   I SAW the Northern Lights! Just a bit, I'll take it. Have not seen them since I was a child in Minnesota. I remembered them like it was yesterday. Exciting. 

     And, the fog lifted and the sun came out to see the largest glacier in Eurooe and a lagoon full of icebergs. I do like a good iceberg.

    I also got to walk where two continents are splitting my apart. It has been on my list for many years. That was cool.

   A good trip...

      

Sabah Jan 2015

   This is the most I saw of the famous Probiscus Monkey. Was on a river boat to see them in the wild, too far away. However, as night fell, the lightening bugs came out. Thousands of them, surrounding us and the trees on the river side were lit like Macy's at Christmas.  A fairy land. 

    I went to Sabah to see the Orangtangs. The only place I could see them were at a feeding station at a resort. It was the crowd faction to get a glimpse of them. Disappointed, yes. I did have expectations. Even so, I did see two come in for food. 

    Mt. Kinabalu is a rising mountain caused by tectonic plates pushing together, after I left, there was a big earthquake and part of the top fell off. I am ahead of the disasters.

   The Rafflesia flower is named for Raffle. It is the biggest flower in the world and supposed to smell like dead flesh, and dies very quickly. They are protected by the government and will live on. 

    Some unusual foods: Tarap- segmented fruit similar to Jack fruit, bread made green from a long rush type of plant. 

   Thought I would walk to the movie theater, as I could not find the bus stop. It got way too hot and it was much further than I estimated, tried to ask shop keepers to call me a taxi, they could not figure it out, directed to another area. Maybe there would be a taxi, now I was on a construction site. Was so glad to finally reach the theater with air conditioning. Perhaps a room closer to the center would be better. 

31 Years Sober

Today I am 31 years sober. Got taken to Thai lunch and then to a  chip meeting. I was so emotional all day. I cried thru lunch realizing I was feeling disconnected, like a feather on the breeze. When I shared at the meeting, I could hardly talk, I was overwhelmed with emotions of gratitude for my life. They did not have a chip for my years. David being resourceful called the Serenity Shoppe and begged them to stay open so he could get me a chip today. They did that  for me and I now have a pretty one. When we got home there was a Tres Leche cake! Cake for my anniversary has not happened in many years. Then we watched a DVD of Duffy recorded about the time I got sober. It was of tombstones and the people on them who chose to drink. When I saw this originally I got hysterical and was taken from the room by an old timer. When asked if I knew why I was so affected, my answer being-no, he said I had buried the old Jeanne in there and now I was new. And, so it was. Thank you all. 

Sri Lanka January 2015

   Finally I get back to Sri Lanka to see the Lion Mountain that I missed last time.  Was having too many roadblocks to get to this mountain, so, just ordered me up a tour with Intrepid.  Turns out it was the best in the people department.  We all agreed, it was the most amiable group we all had experienced.
    One language is Sinhalese. Our leader Ruwan told us it has 63 letters and 12 half 'letters', which are  to indicate sounds. Komaden is-how are you? And-Hondai is -good.
   When a woman has her first menses she  must stay in a dark room for 7 days, come out in a white dress, bring 7 pots of water to put in a well.  The caste system is alive and well, it shows in your name and cannot be changed.
  The very best part of Sri Lanka is the Elephant Ginger Beer. I don't like fizzy soda's but this-is magical. I introduced my group to it and it was taken to just like I had on my previous trip.
     Mihinat'e is the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka since 247BC. Anuradhapura is the place of the Bodhi tree that is a sapling from the tree where Buddha gained enlightenment.   Many old palaces, temples, 'dagobas'-monuments, stupas. In fact the biggest Stupas I have ever seen, in fact, one was so big we went inside.   
  Then to Sigiyira, my reason to come.  It is a huge citadel carved from a rock similar in shape to Masada in Israel.  750 steps to the top in searing heat.  I got as far as the mirror wall to see that and the 1500 year old frescoes that are very well preserved.  The common name is Lion Rock, there was a lion façade carved into the rock, which only the paws remain today. I was glad to get that far, the rest of the climb was straight up.  I was satisfied.  In fact, temples and shrines are all up way too many steps. And, there one must walk in bare feet on the hot gravel-once was enough for that scene. I had two pair of socklets, put two panty liners between them, voila-comfort. 
   Many caves with carved statues of Buddha as is wont in this part of the world. 'Thewawa' ceremony is the the relic of Buddha's tooth displayed with accompanying drums played by  men in huge red cummerbunds and a sarong.
   Up into the hills for a night of comfort in an old British Hill Station, called Hill Club.  Dressing for dinner was the order of the evening.
   Nice walk in the tea area, beautiful water falls, area where some of the the scenes from "The Bridge Over the River Kwai" were filmed.
   Watched baby elephants called to lunch, they sure knew it was time, as do we all.
   One night in a very nice resort, except for the men who were doing some voyeurism, watching the  over the fence from the beach to the grass where the girls were sunbathing.  Did speak to the Hotel about that.  As we were attempting to relax in the sun, I thought I saw an elephant walk by on the beach. I did. It came into the resort and offered rides.  Don't see that every day. 
  Ah, nature.  Peacocks in trees, monkeys preparing for sex, pig families having a walk, turtle hatchery, donation boxes at the side of the road for motorcycles and cars to donate.
   Food: Kola Kada, a leafy vegetable soup with coconut cream-outstanding.  Egg Hopper-a crepe made like a bowl with onion sambol and egg.
   A good trip. 
   

Australia April 2015

AUSTRALIA APRIL 2015
   I feel purple today.  And I can do it because I am at a real computer and there are many choices. 
How can a whole country not know about eggs over easy? Or, medium for that matter.  I asked many places and friends, nope.  I tried to give a bit of show and tell, that did not work either, figured it was the wrong pan and I am sorely out of practice.  
   Darwin, thought I would see the highly touted lightning that takes place there, but alas, not.  So very hot and humid in Darwin, still. Hung out with friend that introduced me to the series of Fargo. I watched them all while he was at work. Good fun. 
   Took the Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide. Wanted to do this part since it got built.  Two nights in the chair, this was very comfortable. I had my food all set, reading material, big window, good seat mate, all good.  Stopped in Katherine and Alice Springs.  Walked to see a museum in Alice that I had not seen, lots of local history.  Hermannsburg, home of famous Aboriginal painter Albert Manatjira was the focus. Also very hot, but dry. 
   Adelaide was having a Fringe Festival while I was there, the night light parade was fabulous, the show I saw was not.  However, I will always remember it. Met a travel mate from the India, Bhutan, Nepal trip to hang out with.  Also got to go south  to visit other travel mates at the Goolwa area, mouth of the Murry River. Beautiful, many beaches and penguins. 
  On to Mildura for more visiting and new things to see.  I went to Lake Mungo where the Mungo Man and Woman came from, the fossils are about 42,000 years old. Their bones show a hard life. Did some sewing for my friend and off to Swan Hill where the Australian and US military had a secret amphibian repair depot during the 2nd World War. Best roast lamb dinner at the local RSL, so good my friend and I went twice. 
    Melbourne as good as ever.  And, the best Greek food ever! Fusion at it's best.  Saganaki with peppered fig sauce, so amazing, talk was impossible, and went back the next day for more. 
   Sydney, took the train overnight to get there in time for the biggest Gay Parade.  It was big in terms of people walking, not so many floats, which is what I like. Done it, not again.  
  Lucky me, I missed the extreme weather, several times.  I went to the AA convention in Newcastle on the East coast.  A hugh storm tore thru the park across from the venue. Trees downed like pick up sticks.  Another place I stayed had two very tall eucalyptus trees fall on the house and yard.  I seem to be ahead of the troubles.  Thinking of Africa and the Middle East. Got out of there before it got bad as well.
  Another travel buddy picked me up from Newcastle went to her place for a few days and then picked up our third mate and we went to the Blue Mountains for a few days.  The three sisters are the attraction there, rather like the 12 Apostles in the south, carved by wind and rain.  We rode on the steepest funicular in the world, it is a hoot.  Have to hang on both ways as we were at 64 degree angle. Also there is a glass bottom gondola over the deep valley and a cable way to the bottom of the gorge. Hotels that were the the honeymoon destination for Sydney folks, very plush with the view to the gorge. 
   On to the bush for another visit with a travel mate.  We were safe from the storm and hung out while I learned to set a new type of mouse trap.  Good food, beautiful environment good company.  One of the things we liked to do was watch her seedling grow, fascinating. 
   Back to Sydney to fly out.  Had me a tour of the Opera House and as show of tall buildings in the world done by a Lego expert, very cool that was.

Kuala Lumpur and Singapore Feb. 2015

     I must say that Kuala Lumpur and Singapore are amazing places. So well managed and people friendly. Public entertainment is over the top. Watched a music/light show at The Gardens By The Bay located behind the Marina Bay Sands, built by The Sands of Las Vegas. It is the three tall buildings with the 'boat' structure across the top, with the highest infinity pool ever. 

    Also saw a presentation for the previous Mona Lisa. Lots of supporting information and background, and, there she was. Her debut in Singapore. The city is now wanting to be a cultural center as well as financial, good planning will make that happen. These two cities have set the tone for cooperation among cultures. It was that way until the British came and separated them, now, back to being together. Refreshing. 

Brunei Jan. 2015

    Free medical, education, subsidized low wages, no income tax, pension, gas is .53 Brunei dollars a liter. Sounds good, eh.

   Also Sharia law. Jail for indecent clothes, not going to pray, homosexuity, alcohol. 

    I thought as the richest country it would be different. First tour from

Hotel, their car. First stop was the Empire Hotel. Must say it is over the top. I thought the whole place would be like that. From the photos, that is the impression I had. Only place I got to go in was the Regalia Museum. Others closed or not available. Lots of no, no's. Last stop was a Mall. Well, OK, I was thinking it would be a fancy one-not so. It was so not. Got my glasses tightened and got out.

    Did have a tour to Temburong park. Two river cruises plus 2000 steps up a hill and down. Mucky walk up a steam for a waterfall and a fish pedicure. I didn't fall nor loose my shoes. 

    In the Regalia Museum, I liked the State Gifts the best. The one from Syrias's Al Assad was a photo of him on a shield. The ONLY one like that. 

   Trip Advisor: pass

Ajmer, India. Dec. 2014

O   If we didn't laugh we would have lost our cool. Arrived at the hotel with reservation for 2 persons and 2 beds. They took us to a room with one double bed, explained that this was a 2 bed room. Short of drawing two beds, we tried to explain this was not what we wanted. Five young men were on the hotel team. Stumbling over each other. Barbara got on the phone to reception and was told there were no rooms with two beds. WHAT! This is a hotel! Up came the bigger authority. Appeared a room with two beds. Settling in, we ordered room service. A call came back asking did we want room service. That worked and we got the food. Shortly after, a knock on the door to retrieve the plates. Twice. 

   Barbara wanted a beer, the staff sent a boy who couldn't or wouldn't buy it. Another boy took Barbara to buy it, left her standing in the street while he disappeared down a dark alley, returning with said beer. Sleep.

   Morning and I have made our usual coffee to enjoy in bed. A knock on the door brought the housekeeper in charge and five young men to 'clean' the room. Really we think they just wanted to have a look, because they took photos of us in our beds. The housekeeper hugged us several times, such an admirer we had.  In the previous evening they had just walked in like a public space. We made sure the door was locked after that. 

   The man at reception asked many questions about US geographics but never listened to the answers. Actually he did not listen to much. 

    The rooms all faced onto the entrance to the underground carpark, restaurant, and reception and was frequently visited by cows and flocks of pigeons. The high decibels were increased by the staff rushing around waving their jackets and shouting at the pigeons in the vain attempt to get them to leave.

    For most of our stay, we were either laughing or flumexed. Never a dull moment. It really is - incredible India.